Food was fabulous. With syrah and shiraz as the theme, the chefs prepared roasted Moroccan-style leg of lamb, a goat curry, and umpteen appetizers including a variation of the popular one last year with prosciutto, fig and goat cheese. There were two huge bowls of guacomole--one mild and one spicy--with varicolored tortilla chips. I believe there was a duck confit and also a cheese plate with Manchego, Cheddar, Comte, etc.

The Beckmen Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah Block Six was listed as 15.2% alcohol (compared to 13.6 for the Babcock Nook and Cranny.) 550 cases produced; 100% Syrah, recommended drinking window is 2013-2016. Grapes are 100% estate-grown. Block Six sits at the top of Purisima reaching up to 1200 feet...a steep limestone-laden hillside planted with clones 174, 373 and Estrella selection. While I liked this, I prefered the Babcock easily. I paid $49.48 which is just pennies less than for the Babcock.

The Dog Ridge MVP Shiraz is their top of the line. Dave Wright oversees the vines and Fred Howard the wines. This is made from the four best barrels of the 2003 vintage. They use modern sustainable viticultural practices in the foothills of McLaren Vale. Dark red color; almost opaque. Balanced and smooth. High-toned fruit. Blueberries and mocha contribute to the flavors. The wine is only imported by a couple companies and is not well known in the USA so I noticed that the bottle was not getting many tasters.

1997 Glen Fiona Syrah, Walla Walla, WA (may have been one of only two Washington State entries) Viscous, dark crimson color, dense and opaque. Dark raspberry on nose and palate. Very mellow. Not terribly complex but enjoyable and food friendly. I had some with the lamb.

2007 Russell Ranch Syrah, Michigan (grapes sourced from elsewhere). Jim Lester, the winemaker, is very talented. Crimson to purple shading; semi-opaque. Lovely nose. Dark and red berry mix on the palate. A touch of blueberry flavor but subtle enough to enhance, not dominate. Pepper appears on the finish. Would probably be terrific with the Moroccan-spiced leg of lamb but was opened before the lamb was served. Lengthy finish. A favorite of mine at the picnic.